Conor McGregor signs for Floyd Mayweather fight

UFC superstar Conor McGregor says he has signed a deal to fight former boxing pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather.

The enigmatic Irishman, who currently holds the UFC lightweight title, closed a deal with UFC president Dana White on Tuesday to secure his side of an agreement to meet Mayweather in a boxing match.

In a statement given to Themaclife.com, McGregor described the deal as “historic” and placed the ball firmly in Floyd’s court.

“The first, and most important part of this historic contract has now officially been signed off on,” the statement read.

“Congratulations to all parties involved. We now await [Mayweather’s adviser] Al Haymon and his boxer’s signature in the coming days.”

It is the most significant step toward the fight being made to date and follows from Nevada State Athletic Commission chief Bob Bennett telling Boxing News that he would be happy to sanction the fight, which is all but set to take place in Las Vegas.

However, it is by no means a guarantee that the fight will definitely happen. Though Mayweather has spoken of his desire to fight McGregor, he is yet to secure his side of the deal and will be pursuing a hefty purse.

The retired American – who has said he would return to the ring for a fight with McGregor, who is yet to have a professional boxing bout – is currently in the UK with his charge Gervonta Davis, who defends his IBF super-featherweight title against Liam Walsh this weekend.

McGregor does not yet have a boxing licence in Nevada – though he does have one in California – however Bennett also confirmed to us that Conor is eligible to apply for one and would almost certainly be granted one should he do so.